Diabetes Education Specialist - Inpatient

Career At Lehigh Valley Health Network

Imagine a career at one of the nation's most advanced health networks.

Be part of an exceptional health care experience. Join the inspired, passionate team at Lehigh Valley Health Network, a nationally recognized, forward-thinking organization offering plenty of opportunity to do great work.

LVHN has been ranked among the "Best Hospitals" by U.S. News & World Report for 23 consecutive years. We're a Magnet(tm) Hospital, having been honored five times with the American Nurses Credentialing Center's prestigious distinction for nursing excellence and quality patient outcomes in our Lehigh Valley region. Finally, Lehigh Valley Hospital - Cedar Crest, Lehigh Valley Hospital - Muhlenberg, Lehigh Valley Hospital- Hazleton, and Lehigh Valley Hospital - Pocono each received an 'A' grade on the Hospital Safety Grade from The Leapfrog Group in 2020, the highest grade in patient safety. These recognitions highlight LVHN's commitment to teamwork, compassion, and technology with an unrelenting focus on delivering the best health care possible every day.

Whether you're considering your next career move or your first, you should consider Lehigh Valley Health Network.

Job Description

Summary Provides diabetes self-care education and support for patients and families with complex needs, focusing on a safe transition from hospital to community. Utilizes best practice/evidence to suggest pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions to facilitate patient centered diabetes care. Serves as an expert and role model for hospital diabetes management. Contributes to diabetes quality improvement initiatives designed to promote glycemic control, patient safety, improved clinical outcomes, and reduced length of stay.

Job Duties

• Provides assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation related to diabetes care and education needs.
• Collaborates with the healthcare team to formulate individualized diabetes education and care plans that facilitate the transition from acute care to self-care.
• Provides/recommends diabetes resources to patients and families that facilitate ongoing diabetes self-management support in the community setting.
• Maintains current knowledge of diabetes education, standards of care, emerging treatment modalities, and research.
• Serves as an expert clinical reviewer, developer, and consultant for inpatient and outpatient nursing.
• Performs blood glucose data surveillance to identify trends and opportunities for quality improvement.
• Participates in diabetes quality improvement initiatives and workgroups to promote optimal glycemic control and care for patients with diabetes or hyperglycemia.
• Assists with development and provision of formal and informal educational activities such as live presentations, electronic learning modules, and written modalities.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in nursing or related field
• 2 years of experience in clinical patient education. Recent experience in diabetes patient education.
• Ability to assess physical, psychosocial, cognitive, economic, cultural, and health literacy influences impacting the patient's ability to self-manage diabetes.
• Demonstrates skill and knowledge necessary to ensure the assessment, education, and treatment plan are individualized for the patient and/or their family.
• Demonstrates ability to develop and revise written educational resources in a style encompassing a wide range of learners.
• Ability to creatively problem-solve, function in a self-directed work team environment, work independently with minimal supervision, prioritize workload, and demonstrate critical thinking skills.
• Knowledge of and ability to apply age specific learning principles and behavior change theories.
• American Heart Association Basic Life Support - State of Pennsylvania Upon Hire
• CDCES-Certified Diabetes Care & Education Specialist - State of Pennsylvania within 2 Years
• RN - Licensed Registered Nurse_PA - State of Pennsylvania Upon Hire or
• RD - Registered Dietitian - State of Pennsylvania Upon Hire

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's Degree in nursing or related field
• CDCES-Certified Diabetes Care & Education Specialist - State of Pennsylvania Upon Hire

Physical Demands Lift and carry 25 lbs. frequent sitting/standing, frequent keyboard use, *patient care providers may be required to perform activities specific to their role including kneeling, bending, squatting and performing CPR.Job Description Disclaimer: This position description provides the major duties/responsibilities, requirements and working conditions for the position. It is intended to be an accurate reflection of the current position, however management reserves the right to revise or change as necessary to meet organizational needs. Other responsibilities may be assigned when circumstances require.

Lehigh Valley Health Network is an equal opportunity employer. In accordance with, and where applicable, in addition to federal, state and local employment regulations, Lehigh Valley Health Network will provide employment opportunities to all persons without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or other such protected classes as may be defined by law. All personnel actions and programs will adhere to this policy. Personnel actions and programs include, but are not limited to recruitment, selection, hiring, transfers, promotions, terminations, compensation, benefits, educational programs and/or social activities.

Lehigh Valley Health Network